Monday, 17 October 2016

The
Advent retreat (Mon November 28th to Thursday Dec 1st) on
the theme of “Expectancy” will be conducted by the Rev David Flagg. It will
include six reflections on key Advent themes, and it will also serve as an
ideal introduction to making a silent retreat. Experiencing group silence as a
beginner is best done in a relatively short time frame, so the silent period
will extend from Tuesday at 10am till Wednesday at 9pm. How to make use of a time of extended silence
will be addressed on Monday evening. There will be a short daily eucharist
(holy communion), a time of silent adoration in the evenings, and a healing
service to finish on Thursday morning. David will be available for retreatants
should they wish to have a short discussion with him during the retreat.

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

The ongoing Developing Direction
programme resumes in February 2017 with a very rich series of days
led by experienced and inspired practitioners. As spiritual directors
it’s easy to feel isolated and somewhat depleted. This is a good
chance to both find community and be nourished in the vital ministry
you offer. All the sessions described below can be booked
individually but booking as a whole course entitles you to a discount
of £45.00. Read more and book your
place on the entire Developing Direction series.

How can we describe to others what is happening to us on our
spiritual journey? How can we depict the spiritual road that we are
taking-experiences of prayer, transitions that we travel through,
impediments that we face-and externalize into words the interior
experiences? Based on his latest book, Learning the Language of the
Soul, Andrew will help us to explore creative and inspirational
metaphors for use in spiritual direction.

Dr. Andrew Mayes is currently Spirituality Adviser to the Anglican
Diocese of Chichester, where he has also served as director of clergy
training. He is the author of six previous books, including the
widely-acclaimed Beyond the Edge: Spiritual Transitions for
Adventurous Souls. Read more and book

In a busy and active society and church, contemplative prayer and
living is a radical call and challenge. Are there particular needs in
spiritual direction for those who are on this path? Based on years of
accompanying others on this journey, Liz will help us to explore this
area of our work and be better equipped to support those responding
to this calling.

As a member of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM)
for 20 years, Liz has served in various capacities including WCCM UK
School Coordinator and UK National Coordinator. She now focuses on
teaching meditation, leading retreats, and offering spiritual
direction. She recently contributed two chapters to the book on the
Christian mystics, Journey to the Heart. Read more and book

Friday 7
April, 11 - 4pmTHE GIFT OF
THE CROSSSuffering and
The Truer SelfDavid Cherry
God does not send us suffering; or even desire it. But often it is in
suffering that we, and our directees, find a deeper confidence and
trust in God. Is this a kind of death and resurrection? By reflecting
on our own experience, what we need in times of suffering and
difficulty, we can find both inspiration and courage to be with
others in theirs.

David is a tutor on the Ignatian Spirituality Course, a Spiritual
Director and Anglican Priest. Read more and book

After
a long period in Christian history when desire was frowned upon as
suspect, we return at last to the joy of finding God in our deepest
desire. Although familiar to many, this is still a ground-breaking
insight for so many of the people we accompany. Susanne will help us
to explore desire in spiritual direction and increase our confidence
in drawing upon this in our work with others.

Susanne
is the Advisor for Spirituality in the Rochester Diocese. She is
responsible for spirituality events and formations, organising and
allocating spiritual directors for the diocese. She is also trained
in Ignatian Spirituality and very experienced in giving the Exercises. Read more and book

We’re still far too inclined to equate rules with oppressive
structures. Instead, it can be the boundaries within which we find
our deepest identity and fullest life. Sr Rachel will help us to
explore this reality for ourselves and for those we accompany.

Sr Rachel was a member of a religious community for 23 years before
being called to live as a solitary religious. She has been actively
involved in the ministry of spiritual direction and retreat leading
since 1989. She now lives in the Centre of Peterborough, working
within the areas of spirituality and spiritual direction. Read more and book

Friday 14 July, 11 - 4pmKNOWING ME
KNOWING YOUIntroduction
to the Enneagram Jill Foulger
Personality typologies have assisted many people over the years to
understand themselves better and to appreciate the differences in
others. The Enneagram is a special typology providing not just
descriptors of different types of people but wisdom for the journey
to wholeness. As spiritual directors, it can be a helpful
lens through which to better see and support the people we
accompany.

Jill is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and an Enneagram teacher. A
graduate of the Enneagram Professional Training Profile with Helen
Palmer, she runs workshops at all stages of the Enneagram, monthly
study groups and work with teams in business and faith groups. Read more and book

One Day Workshops and
Network Day

The
Spirituality of Jesus : the Centrality of the Heart in Jewish PrayerSaturday 15th
October, 11 - 4pm, led by Paul Stevens Cost: £45
The spirituality of Jesus drew its inspiration entirely from Jewish
sources. This day workshop aims to introduce the fundamentals of
Jewish spirituality and show how Jesus’ spiritual practice and
teaching is informed by his Jewish roots and its profound understanding
of the heart. . The day sets out to examine the distinctive Jewish
features that characterise the spiritual expression of Jesus and will
focus particularly on the ‘Shema Israel’ (Hear, O Israel’) which
is still regarded as the foundational prayer of Judaism. Read more and book

Meeting the
Darkness: Reflective Day, Led by Nicola Mason and Jane Booth10:30 - 4pm
Saturday 5th November, Cost: £45
At this season of dwindling daylight, we will take time to reflect on
the experience of darkness in our lives: does it hold gifts as well
as challenges, and is there is a way in which we can meet and embrace
it, rather than simply endure it? We will consider what light some of
the saints, writers and poets who journeyed through their own
darkness can offer to guide us on our way. There will be some input
and opportunities for sharing within the group, balanced by time for
individual reflection and exploration, and an invitation to
participate in two simple group meditations. Read more and book

Preparing
for Advent with Flowers with Ken Browne, Friday 25th November, 10 -
1pm Cost: £25 (£20 for those also booking on the Network Day on
Saturday 26th Nov)

Flowers have been, and are, an inspiration for many and the Holy
Spirit makes itself known in the secret redolence of flowers. Flowers
give joy and happiness and are an outer expression of inner emotions,
including loss and love. At this time of advent Kenneth will use the
experience of ‘being’ with flowers to enhance the theme of waiting.
The morning will include the ‘waiting’ as flower arrangements unfold
.We will also examine the symbolism of the Advent wreath together
with poetry and storytelling about flowers. There will be time for
silence and a flower meditation to help cultivate the Divine within
ourselves and deepen our sense of waiting. Read more and book

THE COURAGE
TO CONNECTNews,
Nourishment and NetworkingThe London
Spirituality Centre Network DaySaturday, 26th
November 2016
10.30 for an 11.00 start – 4.30 Cost: £30 Full Price; £25 for
Members of the Community of Spiritual Directors
A time to:
o Connect with other spiritual directors
o Hear the latest news from the Centre;
o Find out about the growing Community of Spiritual Directors;
o Pray together and bless one another in our ministry;
o Be inspired for the work.Read more and book your
place

the Diocese of Rochester

What's on in your area?

The pages below list regular reflective services and groups in the three Archdeaconries of Rochester Diocese. If your church puts on something you think others might like to come to, send me an email with a brief description and details of time and venue. Please check with the person running the group or service first!